| Imagine a water-front tavern at the Jersey shore
serving beer and drinks to local fishermen, watermen and the occasional
lost tourist. Then imagine the sea takes over the tavern encasing
it
in salt water, sand and sea grass. But instead of destroying the
old
tavern it is preserved by the sea in the exact same condition as it
existed in the 1930's and 40's. It waits decades for the arrival
of a
new generation of beach goers and locals who will have the opportunity
to enjoy this well kept secret jewel of a tavern. Then the new
millennium arrives, and as if the sea has decided to give us back this
gem, Twisties
reopens but looks
exactly as did fifty years ago. |
During its
period of
preservation, dozens of pairs of
eyes inside the tavern kept a diligent watch over the well being of the
old bay side ramshackle building. However, the seeing eyes do not
belong to humans but rather a very special breed of painted coconut
heads. Yes, I said that - coconuts with heads painted on
them! The
entire tavern has a shelf on every wall filled with various old painted
coconut heads. Peculiar yes, but also quite fitting for this very
special place. It seems that an owner from many, many years prior
had
a fondness for coconut head decor. The present owners, the
Riordens,
have wisely decided to co-exist with these keepers of the tavern.
CELEBRATE YOUR DAY'S CATCH
|
ENIGMATIC COCONUT HEADS
|
You will agree
that
once visited, Twisties is
Tahiti
meets Key West, then transported to a beautiful spot in of all places,
South Jersey, facing the western skies overlooking the back bay between
Corsons Inlet and Townsends Inlet. It is not one of those places
that
tries mightily to create a nautical feel, Twisties is naturally part of
the back bay or "in the back" as locals refer to it and as opposed to
"out front" which is a block over the ocean. As you enjoy your
drink,
the bay waters lap at the floorboards under your feet.
ALMOST TIME FOR A SUNSET TOAST
|
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Beneath the shelved coconut heads is a classic old bar which
faces the
bay and marsh. As you sit at the bar, you are eye level with the
windows behind the bar that give the patron a panoramic view of bay,
marsh and the old Strathmere bridge. Even those of us that are
hardened and rough edged cannot help but to be incredibly impressed
every evening as the sun sets over the bay and marsh. The bar
often quiets, even when busy, to watch this spectacular display of
natures beauty. The sunsets never disappoint.
Twisties, for
decades, would
open one weekend a year. Usually
Memorial Day weekend, so that their liquor license would remain
active. The small porch over the bay waters and the docks out
back are the only features that have been updated. Loyalists of
Twisties
arrive by all means
of transportation, boat, car, bike, walk
and even an occasional swimmer stops in for a draft. Rich or not
so wealthy, local or visitor, all who visit Twisties find a welcoming,
comfortable and very inviting tavern to spend some time.
Visitors will also be greatly impressed with the fine food served in
Twisties.
Chefs that
create great food in Twisties kitchen do not
take a backseat to their counterparts who work in fine dining
restaurants in casino restaurants 20 miles to the north in Atlantic
City. The food served in Twisties is among the best casual dining
you will find anywhere. |
|
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WHY ARE THEY SMILING?
|
Remember what happens in Twisties stays in
Twisties because coconut heads cannot talk, or do they?
|
